The time to leave areas of Central Victoria passed on Sunday with emergency crews warning anyone remaining in Shepparton, Orrvale, Mooroopna and Elmore to Rochester to find high ground as flood waters rise.
Central Victoria continued to bear the brunt of the floods as waters receded in Tasmania and some regions of New South Wales.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese travelled to Bendigo to meet with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to be briefed on the situation across the state.
The leaders held a press conference with SES and confirmed 100 ADF troops would be deployed to assist residents and emergency payments of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child would be available for those affected by floods.
Where to find emergency assistance and information
- For emergency assistance, contact the SES on 132 500
- If your life is at risk, call triple-O (000) immediately
- You can find the latest New South Wales evacuation orders here, the latest Victorian evacuation orders here, and the latest Tasmanian evacuation orders here
- For the latest weather updates visit the Bureau of Meteorology.
Listen to ABC Local Radio for regular updates:
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ABC Sydney on 702am or online
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ABC Melbourne on 774am or online
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ABC Hobart on 936am or online
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Search for a different frequency using the ABC Radio Finder
Victoria
Regional Victoria was the worst-affected area on Sunday as rivers peaked in the Goulburn Valley. Greater Shepparton residents looked to minimise damage before evacuating the area, but emergency services issued a 'too late to leave' notice for Shepparton, Orrvale, Murchison, Kialla West and Mooroopna.
An emergency warning to evacuate immediately was issued for the Bunbartha area with the safest evacuation route via Barmah-Shepparton Road.
A warning to move to higher ground was issued for Loddon Weir to Kerang with with major flooding likely at Appin South and Kerang from Sunday night and into Monday.
State Emergency Services spokesperson Tim Wiebusch said the disaster is far from over. He warned residents from Shepparton, Mooroopna, Kialla Lakes and surrounding areas be alert to their conditions in case the water level continues to rise.
The Goulburn River is expected to peak at a maximum of 12.2 metres early Monday morning.
Mr Wiebusch said that at 12.2 metres, 7300 properties are expecting to to be surrounded, or some of those inundated by floodwaters.
And if the river goes up just 0.1 metres to 12.3 metres, a further 1600 homes come under threat of major flooding.
The Goulburn River is expected to peak at a maximum of 12.2 metres early Monday morning.
Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed more than 120 schools and 100 early learning centres would remain closed on Monday, explaining that families of students would be contacted directly by schools.
Tasmania
In Tasmania, a large amount of flooding has receded, with clean-up underway.
Authorities in northern Tasmania downgraded a warning for some communities along the South Esk River after last week's deluge in the region.
A Flood Watch and Act — Prepare to Leave order has been issued for residents from Hadspen to Blackstone Heights and surrounds by the State Emergency Service.
SES Public Information Officer, Peter Middleton, says the South Esk River appears not to have reached the levels it did during the devastating 2016 floods.
New South Wales
On Sunday afternoon, 10 evacuation and isolation warnings were in place across New South Wales, as flooding continues.
The town of Narrandera in the New South Wales Riverina were warned to expect more evacuation orders as floodwaters rose.
Eight streets in the town were evacuated on Saturday night due to moderate flooding.
The town Moama, on the New South Wales-Victoria border, is also on stand-by to evacuate.
The SES expected falling trees and flash flooding, with strong winds and more rain expected along the state's coastline.
Seven people were rescued on Saturday and as the SES reported receiving more than 200 calls for help.
Floodwaters are now easing in parts of Forbes, Gunnedah, and Wee Waa in the state's central and north west.
